The Tryall Course
Montego Bay, Cornwall, JM
The Tryall Club, carved into the undulating hills of Montego Bay, Jamaica, stands as a testament to a bygone era when golf course design prioritized natural beauty over brute length. A prime example of post-war architecture, the course, with its flirtatious Caribbean sea breezes, rewards strategic shot-making and creative approaches over pure power. The terrain, a delightful mix of rolling parkland and coastal exposure, plays host to cunning doglegs and the occasional blind shot, demanding a deft touch from tee to green. While not known for its prodigious length, Tryall subtly favors the player who can work the ball with a draw, finding the optimal angle to attack the flag. Ralph Plummer’s original design was crafted to showcase the dramatic Jamaican landscape, while subsequent enhancements have gently modernized the course without compromising its inherent charm. While it has never hosted a Major, its subtle difficulty is a favorite among its diverse membership, many of whom arrive for weeks at a time. The club is renowned for its familial, multi-generational membership and a distinct absence of pretense. Stories abound of impromptu matches between members and touring professionals, all fueled by laughter and the island's laid-back spirit. After the round, the club is known for their Jamaican jerk chicken.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in Jamaica
Public: #1
Best in Cornwall
Public: #1
7.9
20 players
An incredible course with amazing caddies, wonderful views, challenging shots and a mean rum punch. Among the best holes are 3-shorter #3 always in stiff wind, par 3 4th over a river, gettable par 5 8th, uphill 9th, brutal side hill 12th par 3 and picturesque par 4 15th. Wear sunscreen and ask for Linton to caddie.
This course really gives you that classic Jamaica golf experience — a few scenic holes along the water paired with some inland elevation changes that make for a fun mix. When I played, the course itself was in pretty solid shape overall, especially considering how much rain they’d had in the days leading up to our round. There were definitely a few soggy spots, but it was still very playable. The layout is enjoyable — the front stretch near the water is flat, relaxed, and full of great views, while the back nine winds through some rolling terrain that adds a nice change of pace. The par-4 14th was easily one of my favorites — just a really well-designed hole that rewards a good tee shot and makes you think on the approach. Where the experience fell a bit short was the overall service and value. The round was on the pricey side, and the check-in vibes and caddie support didn’t really match that higher price point. It felt a little underwhelming compared to the cost. Overall, I enjoyed the course and thought the layout was fun, but between the price and average service, it’s probably not one I’d rush back to play again.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Tryall has a Course Vaults score of 7.9 out of 10 based on 12 explicit golfer ratings.
The Tryall was designed by Ralph Plummer.
Yes. The Tryall is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Tryall is 71.
The Tryall plays 6,195 metres from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The Tryall is a 18-hole course.
